Wireless power receiving device and wireless power receiving method using same

ABSTRACT

A wireless power receiving device includes: a body; rectifiers arranged adjacent to the body; ports, each being located between the body and a corresponding one of the rectifiers; and slots penetrating the body, wherein each of the ports electrically connects the body to a corresponding one of the rectifiers, the body and the ports receive a horizontal polarization component of electromagnetic radiation incident on the body, and the slots receive a vertical polarization component of the electromagnetic radiation.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a device and method for receivingwireless power.

BACKGROUND ART

A wireless charging system includes a source for transmitting powerwithout wires and a receiver for receiving the power. For example, thewireless charging system may use electromagnetic induction. Theelectromagnetic induction is a phenomenon in which an electric currentflows in a closed loop when a magnetic flux passing through the closedloop changes. In this case, the source and the receiver may respectivelyinclude coils for power transmission and reception.

As another example, the receiver of the wireless charging system mayinclude a rectenna. The rectenna is a combination of an antenna and arectifier. When the source radiates electromagnetic radiation towardsthe receiver, an antenna of the receiver may receive the electronicradiation. The antenna may generate an alternating current signal uponreceiving the electromagnetic radiation. The rectifier may convert thealternating current signal into a direct current signal.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Technical Problem

Provided is a wireless power receiving device having improved powerreception performance.

Also provided is a wireless power receiving method providing improvedpower pickup efficiency.

However, the problem to be solved is not limited to the abovedisclosure.

Solution to Problem

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless powerreceiving device includes: a body; rectifiers arranged adjacent to thebody; ports, each being located between the body and a corresponding oneof the rectifiers; and slots penetrating the body, wherein each of theports electrically connects the body to a corresponding one of therectifiers, the body and the ports receive a horizontal polarizationcomponent of electromagnetic radiation incident on the body, and theslots receive a vertical polarization component of the electromagneticradiation.

The ports may include a pair of ports protruding outward from one sideof the body.

The ports may include the other pair of ports protruding outward fromthe other side of the body, and the one side and the other side may facein opposite directions.

The ports may include a pair of ports protruding outward from eitherside of the body.

The wireless power receiving device may further include a frameseparated from the ports with the rectifiers interposed therebetween,wherein the frame includes a conductive material, and the rectifiers areelectrically connected to the frame.

The ports may be provided on one side of the body, and the frame maycontact the other side of the body.

The ports may protrude from the body in a first direction parallel to anupper surface of the body, and the slots may extend in a seconddirection that is parallel to the upper surface of the body and crossesthe first direction.

The wireless power receiving device may further include a substrate onwhich the body and the ports may be arranged, and the slots may exposean upper surface of the substrate.

A length of each of the slots along the second direction may be half awavelength of an EH0 mode generated within the substrate.

A length of the body along the second direction may be half a wavelengthof an EH1 mode generated within the substrate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless powerreceiving device includes: a first antenna structure extending in afirst direction; and a second antenna structure extending in a seconddirection crossing the first direction, wherein each of the first andsecond antenna structures includes: a body; rectifiers arranged adjacentto the body; ports, each being located between the body and acorresponding one of the rectifiers; and slots penetrating the body.

An angle between the first and second directions may be 80° to 100°.

The ports of the first antenna structure may protrude from the body ofthe first antenna structure in the first direction, and the slots of thefirst antenna structure may extend in the second direction. The ports ofthe second antenna structure may protrude from the body of the secondantenna structure in the second direction, and the slots of the secondantenna structure may extend in the first direction.

The wireless power receiving device may include: a broadcast antennastructure configured to receive electromagnetic radiation travelling ina third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions; anda rectifier electrically connected to the broadcast antenna structure.

The wireless power receiving device may further include: a lowersubstrate; and an upper substrate stacked on the lower substrate,wherein the first antenna structure is provided on the lower substrate,and the second antenna structure is provided on the upper substrate.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless powerreceiving method includes: receiving, by an antenna structure,electromagnetic radiation to generate alternating current signals;converting, by rectifiers, the alternating signals into direct currentsignals; and electrically connecting, by a switching unit, one of therectifiers to a load unit.

The electrical connecting of the one of the rectifiers to the load unitby the switching unit may include: determining, by the switching unit, arectifier having a maximum energy from among the rectifiers; andelectrically connecting, by the switching unit, the rectifier having themaximum energy to the load unit.

The electrical connecting of the one of the rectifiers to the load unitby the switching unit may include sequentially connecting, by theswitching unit, the rectifiers to the load unit.

Times during which the rectifiers are connected to the load unit mayvary depending on the amount of energy stored in the rectifiers.

The switching unit may connect a rectifier having a relatively largeamount of energy to the load unit for a long time compared to whenconnecting a rectifier having a relatively small amount of energy.

Advantage Effects of Disclosure

A wireless power receiving device having improved power receptionperformance may be provided.

A wireless power receiving device having improved power pickupperformance may be provided.

However, the effects of the disclosure are not limited to thedisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conceptual block diagram of a wireless charging systemaccording to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a wireless power receiving device according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the wireless power receiving device of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are graphs illustrating experimental results for a gainof the wireless power receiving device of FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a wireless power receiving device according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the wireless power receiving device of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a wireless power receiving device according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a wireless power receiving device according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a wireless power receiving device according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a wireless power receiving device according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a wireless power receiving deviceaccording to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a lower layer of the wireless power receivingdevice of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an upper layer of the wireless power receivingdevice of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual block diagram of a wireless charging systemaccording to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a wireless powerreceiving device, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual block diagram for explaining the method of FIG.15.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a wireless powerreceiving device, according to exemplary embodiments.

BEST MODE

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless powerreceiving device includes: a body; rectifiers arranged adjacent to thebody; ports, each being located between the body and a corresponding oneof the rectifiers; and slots penetrating the body, wherein each of theports electrically connects the body to a corresponding one of therectifiers, the body and the ports receive a horizontal polarizationcomponent of electromagnetic radiation incident on the body, and theslots receive a vertical polarization component of the electromagneticradiation.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless powerreceiving device includes: a first antenna structure extending in afirst direction; and a second antenna structure extending in a seconddirection crossing the first direction, wherein each of the first andsecond antenna structures includes: a body; rectifiers arranged adjacentto the body; ports, each being located between the body and acorresponding one of the rectifiers; and slots penetrating the body.

MODE OF DISCLOSURE

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be describedmore fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings,like reference numerals denote like elements throughout, and sizes ofcomponents in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity andconvenience of explanation. Meanwhile, embodiments to be described beloware merely an example, and various changes may be made therein.

It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred toas being “above” or “on” another layer or substrate, it can be directlyon the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may also bepresent.

As used herein, singular forms are intended to include the plural formsas well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore,when a part “includes” or “comprises” an element, unless there is aparticular description contrary thereto, the part may further includeother elements, not excluding the other elements.

Furthermore, the term “unit” described in the specification refers to aunit for processing at least one function or operation, and may beimplemented using hardware or software or a combination of hardware andsoftware.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual block diagram of a wireless charging systemaccording to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless power transmitting device Tx and awireless power receiving device Rx1 may be provided. The wireless powertransmitting device Tx may emit a radio frequency (RF) wave. A power maybe transferred to the wireless power receiving device Rx1 via the RFwave.

The wireless power receiving device Rx1 may receive the RF wave. Thewireless power receiving device Rx1 may include a receiver 10, arectifying unit 20, and a load unit 30. The receiver 10 may receive theRF wave. For example, the receiver 10 may include an antenna. Thereceiver 10 may generate an alternating current signal by using the RFwave. For example, the alternating current signal may be an alternatingcurrent voltage signal or an alternating current signal. The receiver 10may provide the alternating current signal to the rectifying unit 20.

The rectifying unit 20 may convert the alternating current signalreceived from the receiver 10 into a direct current signal. For example,the rectifying unit 20 may include a rectifier. For example, the directcurrent signal may be a direct current voltage signal or a directcurrent signal. The rectifying unit 20 may provide the direct currentsignal to the load unit 30.

The direct current signal may be applied to the load unit 30. The loadunit 30 may be an electrical device including a load. For example, theload unit 30 may include an integrated circuit and/or a battery.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a wireless power receiving device 1 accordingto exemplary embodiments. FIG. 3 is a side view of the wireless powerreceiving device 1 of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the wireless power receiving device 1including a substrate 110, an antenna structure 120, and rectifiers 200may be provided. The substrate 110 may include a dielectric material.For example, the substrate 110 may include a printed circuit board(PCB). In exemplary embodiments, the substrate 110 may include a groundplate (not shown) and a load (not shown). For example, the ground platemay be provided on a bottom surface of the substrate 110 or within thesubstrate 110. The ground plate may be located parallel to the antennastructure 120. The ground plate may have a function of grounding theantenna structure 120.

The antenna structure 120 may be provided on the substrate 110. Theantenna structure 120 may extend in a first direction D1 parallel to anupper surface 110 u of the substrate 110. The antenna structure 120 mayinclude a body 122 and ports 124. For example, the antenna structure 120including the body 122 having a rectangular shape and the four ports 124are shown.

The antenna structure 120 may include slots 130. The slots 130 may beprovided in the body 122 of the antenna structure 120. For example, apair of the slots 130 may be provided. The slots 130 may penetrate thebody 122 to expose the substrate 110. The slots 130 may be arrangedparallel to each other. The slots 130 may extend in a second directionD2 parallel to the upper surface 110 u of the substrate 110. The seconddirection D2 may cross the first direction D1. The slots 130 may beseparated from each other in the first direction D1. A length of each ofthe slots 130 may be approximately half a wavelength of an EH₀ modegenerated within the substrate 110. The EH₀ mode may occur when theantenna structure 120 receives a vertically polarized wave. A distancebetween the slots 130 may be determined by using the following equation:

sin(θ)=(c ₀ /c ₁)−(λ/d)

(θ: an angle between a normal line to an upper surface 120 u of theantenna structure 120 and electromagnetic radiation R1, c₀: speed oflight in a vacuum, c₁: speed of electromagnetic radiation R1 propagatingwithin the substrate 110 in EH₀ mode, λ: wavelength of electromagneticradiation R1 in a vacuum, and d: distance between the slots 130)

The four ports 124 may protrude outward from the body 122. One pair ofports 124 among the four ports 124 may protrude from one side of thebody 122 in the first direction D1. The pair of ports 124 may be spacedapart from each other in the second direction D2. For example, the pairof ports 124 may be respectively at both ends of the one side of thebody 122.

The other pair of ports 124 may protrude outward from the other side ofthe body 122 in a direction opposite to the first direction D1. Theother side and the one side of the body 122 may be located on oppositesides of the body 122. The other pair of ports 124 may be spaced apartfrom each other in the second direction D2. For example, the other pairof ports 124 may be respectively at both ends of the other side of thebody 122.

A length of the antenna structure 120 along the second direction D2 maybe greater than a minimum size corresponding to a cut-off frequency ofEH₁ mode generated in the substrate 110. For example, the length of theantenna structure 120 along the second direction D2 may be equal to halfa wavelength of EH₁ mode. For example, when a frequency of theelectromagnetic radiation R1 is 5.8 gigahertz (GHz) and a dielectricconstant of the substrate 110 is 2, the length of the antenna structure120 along the second direction D2 may be about 18 millimeters (mm) Alength of the antenna structure 120 along the first direction D1 may beequal to at least one wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation R1 ina vacuum. For example, when the frequency of electromagnetic radiationR1 is 5.8 GHz, the length of the antenna structure 120 along the firstdirection D1 may be about 50 mm. The antenna structure 120 may include aconductive material. For example, the antenna structure 120 may includecopper (Cu).

The antenna structure 120 may receive electromagnetic radiation R1. Theantenna structure 120 may receive electromagnetic radiation R1 from theelectromagnetic radiation R1 being incident in the broadside directionto being incident in the end-fire direction. For example, the antennastructure 120 may receive electromagnetic radiation R1 from theelectromagnetic radiation R1 being incident perpendicularly to the uppersurface 110 u of the substrate 110 to being incident parallel to theupper surface 110 u thereof.

The present disclosure may provide the wireless power receiving device 1capable of receiving radio waves incident in the broadside direction andthe end-fire direction.

The electromagnetic radiation R1 may include a horizontal polarizationcomponent and/or a vertical polarization component. The horizontalpolarization component of the electromagnetic radiation R1 may bereceived by the body 122 to generate a first alternating current signalin the antenna structure 120. The vertical polarization component of theelectromagnetic radiation R1 may be received by the slots 130 togenerate a second alternating current signal in the antenna structure120. The first and second alternating current signals may be provided tothe rectifiers 200 via the ports 124.

The present disclosure may provide the wireless power receiving device 1capable of receiving vertically- and horizontally-polarized radio waves.

The rectifiers 200 may be electrically connected to the ports 124,respectively. The rectifiers 200 may be arranged opposite to the body122 with the ports 124 interposed therebetween. In other words, the body122 may be electrically connected to one end of each of the ports 124while each of the rectifiers 200 may be electrically connected to theother end thereof. The rectifiers 200 may convert the first and secondalternating current signals into direct current signals. For example,the direct current signal may be a direct current signal or directcurrent voltage signal. Each of the rectifiers 200 may include a circuitfor converting an alternating current signal into a direct currentsignal.

In other exemplary embodiments, the antenna structure 120 may bepositioned on a display of a mobile communication device. For example,the antenna structure 120 may include a transparent metal grid havingslots formed therein. Thus, the antenna structure 120 may betransparent. Transparent antenna structures provided on the display ofthe mobile communication device may receive power wirelessly.

In other exemplary embodiments, the rectifiers 200 may be provided in aseparate cover, outer shell, case that is detachable from the mobilecommunication device.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are graphs illustrating experimental results for a gainof the wireless power receiving device 1 of FIGS. 2 and 3. For brevityof description, substantially the same descriptions as already presentedwith respect to FIGS. 2 and 3 may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the wireless power receiving device 1 receivedhorizontally polarized electromagnetic radiation. The gain of thewireless power receiving device 1 with respect to an incident angle ofelectromagnetic radiation was measured. The incident angle was an anglebetween a normal line to an upper surface of an antenna structure andelectromagnetic radiation. The incident angle varied between 0° and180°. For example, when the incident angle is 80°, the gain of thewireless power receiving device 1 was 3.5 decibels (dB).

Referring to FIG. 4B, the wireless power receiving device 1 receivedvertically polarized electromagnetic radiation R1. For example, when anincident angle is 80°, the gain of the wireless power receiving device 1was 2.5 dB.

The present disclosure may provide the wireless power receiving device 1capable of receiving radio waves that are incident in the broadsidedirection and the end-fire direction and have horizontal and verticalpolarization components.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a wireless power receiving device 2 accordingto exemplary embodiments. FIG. 6 is a side view of the wireless powerreceiving device 2 of FIG. 5. For brevity of description, substantiallythe same descriptions as already presented with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3may be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the wireless power receiving device 2including a substrate 110, an antenna structure 120, rectifiers 200, anda frame 300 may be provided. The substrate 110, the antenna structure120, and the rectifiers 200 may be substantially the same as theircounterparts described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The frame 300 may include a conductive material. For example, the frame300 may include a metal. The frame 300 may be spaced apart from theantenna structure 120 with the rectifiers 200 interposed therebetween.In other words, each of the rectifiers 200 may be located between theframe 300 and the corresponding port 124 of the antenna structure 120.The frame 300 may be electrically connected to the rectifiers 200. Theframe 300 may perform a function of grounding the rectifiers 200 Inexemplary embodiments, the frame 300 may be an outer shell for a mobilephone (not shown), provided at edges of the mobile phone.

The present disclosure may provide the wireless power receiving device 2capable of receiving radio waves that are incident in the broadsidedirection and the end-fire direction and have horizontal and verticalpolarization components.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a wireless power receiving device 3 accordingto exemplary embodiments. For brevity of description, substantially thesame descriptions as already presented with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6 maybe omitted.

Referring to FIG. 7, the wireless power receiving device 3 including asubstrate 110, an antenna structure 120, rectifiers 200, and a frame 300may be provided.

Unlike in the descriptions with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the antennastructure 120 may include two ports 124. The ports 124 may protrudeoutward from one side of a body 122. In other words, the ports 124 maynot be provided on the other side of the body 122. The ports 124 may bespaced apart from each other in the second direction D2. The other sideof the body 122 may directly contact the frame 300.

Each of the rectifiers 200 may be provided between the frame 300 and thecorresponding port 124. Unlike in the descriptions with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, the two rectifiers 200 may be provided. First and secondalternating current signals generated in the antenna structure 120 maybe provided directly to the rectifiers 200, or may be reflected by theframe 300 and provided to the rectifiers 200.

The present disclosure may provide the wireless power receiving device 3capable of receiving radio waves that are incident in the broadsidedirection and the end-fire direction and have horizontal and verticalpolarization components.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a wireless power receiving device 4 accordingto exemplary embodiments. For brevity of description, substantially thesame descriptions as already presented with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6 maybe omitted.

Referring to FIG. 8, the wireless power receiving device 4 including asubstrate 110, an antenna structure 120, rectifiers 200, and a frame 300may be provided.

Unlike in the descriptions with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the antennastructure 120 may include two ports 124. The ports 124 may protrudeoutward from one and the other sides of a body 122, respectively. Theports 124 may be separated from each other in the first direction D1.

Another side of the body 122 arranged between the one side and the otherside of the body 122 may contact the frame 300 in the second directionD2. The another side of the body 122 may extend along the firstdirection D1. The another side of the body 122 may be separated from theports 124 in the second direction D2.

The slots 130 may be defined by the antenna structure 120 and the frame300. The slots 130 may each expose inner surfaces of the antennastructure 120 and the frame 300. Each of the slots 130 may be formedsuch that the inner surface of the antenna structure 120 along the firstdirection D1 may face the inner surface of the frame 300 along the firstdirection D1.

Each of the rectifiers 200 may be provided between the frame 300 and thecorresponding port 124. Unlike in the descriptions with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, the two rectifiers 200 may be provided.

The present disclosure may provide the wireless power receiving device 4capable of receiving radio waves that are incident in the broadsidedirection and the end-fire direction and have horizontal and verticalpolarization components.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a wireless power receiving device 5 accordingto exemplary embodiments. For brevity of description, substantially thesame descriptions as already presented with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3 maybe omitted.

Referring to FIG. 9, the wireless power receiving device 5 including asubstrate 110, a first antenna structure 120 a, a second antennastructure 120 b, and rectifiers 200 may be provided. The substrate 110may be substantially the same as the substrate 110 described withreference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Each of the first and second antenna structures 120 a and 120 b may besubstantially the same as the antenna structure 120 described withreference to FIGS. 2 and 3, except for its arrangement direction. Thefirst antenna structure 120 a may extend in the first direction D1parallel to an upper surface 110 u of the substrate 110. The firstantenna structure 120 a may have a high efficiency for reception ofelectromagnetic radiation incident in the first direction D1 and adirection opposite to the first direction D1.

The second antenna structure 120 b may extend in the second direction D2that intersects the first direction D1 and is parallel to an uppersurface 110 u of the substrate 110. The second antenna structure 120 bmay have a high efficiency for reception of electromagnetic radiationincident in the second direction D2 and a direction opposite to thesecond direction D2.

An angle between the direction in which the first antenna structure 120a extends and the direction in which the second antenna structure 120 bextends may be about 80° to about 100°. For example, the direction inwhich the first antenna structure 120 a extends may be orthogonal to thedirection in which the second antenna structure 120 b extends.

The electromagnetic radiations incident along the first and seconddirections D1 and D2 may be respectively received in the wireless powerreceiving device 5 by the first and second antenna structures 120 a and120 b. A part of the electromagnetic radiation incident along adirection between the first and second directions D1 and D2 may bereceived in the wireless power receiving device 5 by the first antennastructure 120 a while the remaining part may be received therein by thesecond antenna structure 120 b. The present disclosure may provide thewireless power receiving device 5 having a uniform reception efficiencywith respect to an incident direction parallel to the upper surface 110u of the substrate 110.

The rectifiers 200 may be respectively electrically connected tocorresponding ports of the first and second antenna structures 120 a and120 b. In exemplary embodiments, the rectifiers 200 may be electricallyconnected to a ground plate (not shown) and a load (not shown) throughvias (not shown) penetrating the substrate 110.

The present disclosure may provide the wireless power receiving device 5capable of receiving radio waves that are incident in the broadsidedirection and the end-fire direction and have horizontal and verticalpolarization components.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a wireless power receiving device 6 accordingto exemplary embodiments. For brevity of description, substantially thesame description as already presented with respect to FIG. 9 may beomitted.

Referring to FIG. 10, the wireless power receiving device 6 including asubstrate 110, first and second antenna structures 120 a and 120 b,broadcast antenna structures 140, and rectifiers 200 may be provided.

Unlike the wireless power receiving device 5 described with reference toFIG. 9, the wireless power receiving device 6 may further include thebroadcast antenna structures 140 and rectifiers 200 respectivelyelectrically connected to the broadcast antenna structures 140.According to exemplary embodiments, the broadcast antenna structures 140may each receive electromagnetic radiation incident in a broadcastdirection. For example, each of the broadcast antenna structures 140 mayreceive electromagnetic radiation that makes an angle of about 50° toabout 90° with an upper surface 140 u thereof. Accordingly, powerreception efficiency of the wireless power receiving device 6 may beimproved.

The rectifiers 200 may be respectively electrically connected to thebroadcast antenna structures 140. The rectifiers 200 may respectivelyreceive alternating current signals generated by the correspondingbroadcast antenna structures 140. The rectifiers 200 may respectivelyconvert the alternating current signals into direct current signals andtransmit the direct current signals to a load unit (not shown).

The present disclosure may provide the wireless power receiving device 6with power reception efficiency improved by the first and second antennastructures 120 a and 120 b and the broadcast antenna structures 140. Thepresent disclosure may provide the wireless power receiving device 6capable of receiving radio waves that are incident in the broadsidedirection and the end-fire direction and have horizontal and verticalpolarization components.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a wireless power receiving device 7according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 12 is a plan view of a lowerlayer of the wireless power receiving device 7 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is aplan view of an upper layer of the wireless power receiving device 7 ofFIG. 11. For brevity of description, substantially the same descriptionsas already presented with respect to FIGS. 2, 3, and 10 may be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 11 through 13, the wireless power receiving device 7having a multilayer structure may be provided. The wireless powerreceiving device 7 may include a lower layer LL and an upper layer UL.The lower layer LL and the upper layer UL may be stacked along a thirddirection D3 perpendicular to an upper surface 110 u of a substrate 110.

The lower layer LL may include a substrate 110, a first antennastructure 120 a, a broadcast antenna structure 140, and rectifiers 200.The first antenna structure 120 a may extend along the first directionD1 parallel to an upper surface 110 u of the substrate 110.

The upper layer UL may include a substrate 110, a second antennastructure 120 b, a broadcast antenna structure 140, and rectifiers 200.The second antenna structure 120 b may extend along the second directionD2 that is parallel to an upper surface 110 u of the substrate 110 andintersects the first direction D1. For example, an angle betweendirections in which the first and second antenna structures 120 a and120 b extend may be about 80° to about 100°. For example, the directionin which the first antenna structure 120 a extends may be orthogonal tothe direction in which the second antenna structure 120 b extends.

The present disclosure may provide the wireless power receiving device 7with power reception efficiency improved by the first and second antennastructures 120 a and 120 b and the broadcast antenna structures 140. Thepresent disclosure may provide the wireless power receiving device 7capable of receiving radio waves that are incident in the broadsidedirection and the end-fire direction and have horizontal and verticalpolarization components.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual block diagram of a wireless charging systemaccording to exemplary embodiments. For brevity of description,substantially the same description as already presented with respect toFIG. 1 may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 14, a wireless power transmitting device Tx and awireless power receiving device Rx2 may be provided. Unlike the wirelesspower receiving device Rx1 described with reference to FIG. 1, thewireless power receiving device Rx2 may further include a switching unit40.

The switching unit 40 may control an electrical connection between arectifying unit 20 and a load unit 30. For example, the switching unit40 may determine one rectifier from among rectifiers (not shown) in therectifying unit 20 and electrically connect the rectifier to the loadunit 30. As another example, the switching unit 40 may adjust the timeduring which the rectifiers are electrically connected to the load unit30.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a wireless powerreceiving device, according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 16 is aconceptual block diagram for explaining the method of FIG. 15. Forbrevity of description, substantially the same descriptions as alreadypresented with respect to FIGS. 2, 3, and 10 may be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a receiver 10 may generate alternatingcurrent signals by wirelessly receiving power (S110). The receiver 10may include antenna structures 120 and broadcast antenna structures 140.Each of the antenna structures 120 may be substantially the same as thatdescribed with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The broadcast antennastructures 140 may be substantially the same as those described withreference to FIG. 10. For example, two antenna structures 120 and twobroadcast antenna structures 140 are shown. The number of antennastructures 120 and the number of broadcast antenna structures 140 arenot limited to 2. The receiver 10 may provide the alternating currentsignals to the rectifying unit 20.

The rectifying unit 20 may convert the alternating current signals intodirect current signals (S120). The rectifying unit 20 may include firstthrough tenth rectifiers 200-1 through 200-10. The first through eighthrectifiers 200-1 through 200-8 may respectively generate direct currentsignals by using alternating current signals applied via the ports (124of FIG. 2) of the antenna structures 120. The ninth and tenth rectifiers200-9 through 200-10 may generate direct current signals by usingalternating current signals respectively applied from the broadcastantenna structures 140. Each of the first through tenth rectifiers 200-1through 200-10 may include an output capacitor (not shown). The firstthrough tenth rectifiers 200-1 through 200-10 may respectively storeenergy in their corresponding output capacitors by using the directcurrent signals.

The switching unit 40 may select one rectifier from among the first totenth rectifiers 200-1 to 200-10 (S130). For example, the selectedrectifier may be a rectifier having a maximum energy among the firstthrough tenth rectifiers 200-1 through 200-10. The maximum energy mayrefer to the largest energy stored in the output capacitors.

The switching unit 40 may connect the selected rectifier to the loadunit 30 (S140). For example, the switching unit 40 may electricallyconnect the rectifier having the maximum energy to the load unit 30.Accordingly, energy generated by the selected rectifier may be providedto the load unit 30 by the switching unit 40.

In general, rectifiers may have their own inherent characteristics. Forexample, the rectifiers may have different energy accumulation levelsand specific voltage values. In the present disclosure, because arectifier having a maximum energy is connected to the load unit 30,power may be picked up regardless of the inherent characteristics of therectifiers. Thus, power pickup characteristics may be improved.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a method of controlling a wireless powerreceiving device, according to exemplary embodiments. For brevity ofdescription, substantially the same description as already presentedwith respect to FIG. 15 may be omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the receiver 10 may generate alternatingcurrent signals by wirelessly receiving power (S210). The rectifyingunit 20 may convert the alternating current signals into direct currentsignals (S220).

Unlike in the description with reference to FIG. 15, the switching unit40 may electrically connect the first through tenth rectifiers 200-1through 200-10 to the load unit 30 in a sequential manner (S230). Forexample, the switching unit 40 may first electrically connect the firstrectifier 200-1 to the load unit 30. Subsequently, the switching unit 40may disconnect the electrical connection between the first rectifier200-1 and the load unit 30 and electrically connect the second rectifier200-2 to the load unit 30. By doing so, the switching unit 40 mayelectrically connect the first through tenth rectifiers 200-1 through200-10 to the load unit 30 in a sequential manner.

The first through tenth rectifiers 200-1 through 200-10 may be eachelectrically connected to the load unit during different times. Thetimes during which the first through tenth rectifiers 200-1 through200-10 are connected to the load unit 30 may be determined according tothe amount of energy in the first through tenth rectifiers 200-1 to200-10. For example, the more energy a rectifier has, the longer thetime the rectifier is connected to the load unit 30.

Rectifiers may generally have their own inherent characteristics. Forexample, the rectifiers may have different energy accumulation levelsand specific voltage values. According to the present disclosure,because the more energy stored in a rectifier, the longer the time therectifier is connected to the load unit 30, the power pickupcharacteristics may be improved.

The above description of the embodiments of the technical idea of thepresent disclosure provides an example for description of the technicalidea of the present disclosure. Thus, the technical idea of the presentdisclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it isobvious for those of ordinary skill in the art to make modifications andchanges by combining and implementing the embodiments within thetechnical idea of the present disclosure.

1. A wireless power receiving device comprising: a body; rectifiersarranged adjacent to the body; ports, each being located between thebody and a corresponding one of the rectifiers; and slots penetratingthe body, wherein each of the ports electrically connects the body to acorresponding one of the rectifiers, the body and the ports receive ahorizontal polarization component of electromagnetic radiation incidenton the body, and the slots receive a vertical polarization component ofthe electromagnetic radiation.
 2. The wireless power receiving device ofclaim 1, wherein the ports comprise a pair of ports protruding outwardfrom one side of the body.
 3. The wireless power receiving device ofclaim 2, wherein the ports comprise the other pair of ports protrudingoutward from the other side of the body, and the one side and the otherside face in opposite directions.
 4. The wireless power receiving deviceof claim 1, wherein the ports comprise a pair of ports protrudingoutward from either side of the body.
 5. The wireless power receivingdevice of claim 1, further comprising a frame separated from the portswith the rectifiers interposed therebetween, wherein the frame comprisesa conductive material, and the rectifiers are electrically connected tothe frame.
 6. The wireless power receiving device of claim 1, whereinthe ports protrude from the body in a first direction parallel to anupper surface of the body, and the slots extend in a second directionthat is parallel to the upper surface of the body and crosses the firstdirection.
 7. A wireless power receiving device comprising: a firstantenna structure extending in a first direction; and a second antennastructure extending in a second direction crossing the first direction,wherein each of the first and second antenna structures comprises: abody; rectifiers arranged adjacent to the body; ports, each beinglocated between the body and a corresponding one of the rectifiers; andslots penetrating the body.
 8. The wireless power receiving device ofclaim 7, wherein an angle between the first and second directions is 80°to 100°.
 9. The wireless power receiving device of claim 7, wherein theports of the first antenna structure protrude from the body of the firstantenna structure in the first direction, the slots of the first antennastructure extend in the second direction, the ports of the secondantenna structure protrude from the body of the second antenna structurein the second direction, and the slots of the second antenna structureextend in the first direction.
 10. The wireless power receiving deviceof claim 7, further comprising: a broadcast antenna structure configuredto receive electromagnetic radiation travelling in a third directionperpendicular to the first and second directions; and a rectifierelectrically connected to the broadcast antenna structure.
 11. Awireless power receiving method comprising: receiving, by an antennastructure, electromagnetic radiation to generate alternating currentsignals; converting, by rectifiers, the alternating signals into directcurrent signals; and electrically connecting, by a switching unit, oneof the rectifiers to a load unit.
 12. The wireless power receivingmethod of claim 11, wherein the electrical connecting of the one of therectifiers to the load unit by the switching unit comprises:determining, by the switching unit, a rectifier having a maximum energyfrom among the rectifiers; and electrically connecting, by the switchingunit, the rectifier having the maximum energy to the load unit.
 13. Thewireless power receiving method of claim 11, wherein the electricalconnecting of the one of the rectifiers to the load unit by theswitching unit comprises sequentially connecting, by the switching unit,the rectifiers to the load unit.
 14. The wireless power receiving methodof claim 13, wherein times during which the rectifiers are connected tothe load unit vary depending on the amount of energy stored in therectifiers.
 15. The wireless power receiving method of claim 13, whereinthe switching unit connects a rectifier having a relatively large amountof energy to the load unit for a long time compared to when connecting arectifier having a relatively small amount of energy.